Bottle Juice

…in a rather unreal situation, one that brings out both the best and the worst in people. Think of Thornton Wilder's novel, "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," or Robert Altman's movie, "A Wedding." Both involved disparate groups of people, one to mourn, one to celebrate.

We have a wedding reception in "Melancholia," too, with Justine ( Kirsten Dunst) and Michael ( Alexander Skarsgard) honored at a party thrown by Justine's sister, Claire…

• Topics: Kirsten Dunst, Michael, Alexander, John Hurt, Charlotte Gainsbourg

…Cruelty to Animals ( ASPCA). Joined by his teammates and their significant others, Thornton and his crew will turn the tables and introduce various wine and beer selections alongside hors d'oeuvres by Culinary Director Lydia Shire . Supporters will also enjoy a silent auction and raffle while mingling with Boston's latest golden team in a relaxed setting.

COST: $ 50 per ticket (proceeds benefit the ASPCA and include complimentary wine, beer and hors d'oeuvres)

TICKETS: …

• Topics: Third Course, Apfelwein, Boston, aka, Day
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Established in 1988, the Thornton Winery [pictured here] produces good quality wines and has an has outstanding restaurant where it offers wine and food pairing selections. Newly recruited winemaker David Vergari has worked for several wineries in Spain, Australia, and California. My tasting notes of Thornton's impressive lineup follow:

Thornton 2004 Brut Reserve Natural ($38) 90

This is a lovely vintage Brut with yeast on the nose and a crisp palate offering …

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The wine is typical Mabec and tastes of dark chocolate and cherry liqueur (probably Thornton's) and has a velvety texture. Very nice and possibly even worth a tenner. A bit lighter than most Malbecs and a refreshing 13.5% ABV.

I recommend drinking young (as it is plastic corked), trying to avoid the "face" price, and following WART advice to drink at circa 16°C. Snap some up quick though. Before you know it, Gaucho Grills will be serving this at £56 per …

• Topics: Alastair Bathgate, Wines, Malbecs, ABV

…on his mind, or John Bunyan, who dealt with the spiritual fall of man? He refers to Thornton Wilder's "Our Town," so he must know of Milton and Bunyan.

The play's action shifts back and forth from the men's apartment to a hospital waiting room where Luke's friends gather while he fights for his life after being hit by a taxi. The friends meet Luke's parents there. In the apartment, we follow their relationship.

And in the second act, while …

• Topics: Luke, Adam, Southern, Repertory Theatre, Rep
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Would you like to discover a romantic Temecula restaurant? Cafe Champagne at Thornton Winery is a great restaurant. Dine here during a tour of Temecula wineries.

• Topics: Temecula, Winery
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…had eaten all day, we had a (ha ha) Gourmet Sensation of our own when we stopped at Thornton's gas station for a hotdog and an egg sandwich.

We were at the same table as Diamond Creek, California's first exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Vineyard. This is Philip Ross, the son of the founder, Al Brounstein, tasting our Cabernet Franc. He was EXTREMELY complimentary. A charming man, it was great to talk with him. He was pouring the reserves of his Cabernets, all …

• Topics: Diamond Creek, Gretchen, Cincinnati, Discovery Channel, California

…Ireland's only winner", then who else entered? . So, L 'Ecrivan, Thornton's or Guibauld's may not have entered (let alone other Irish restaurants with fantastic wine lists). Valid question and one I emailed to Wine Spectator, but I've yet to receive a response.

Perhaps the awards are more like an independent audit i.e. validation that you're doing the right things with your wine list. When you win, you can deservedly leverage all this hard work as marketing …

• Topics: United Kingdom, Wine Spectator, Hotel, Galway, West
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Continued from Discover Temecula: Briar Rose Winery After my introduction to California's Temecula Valley at Briar Rose Winery it was time for lunch at Café Champagne. The restaurant located at Thornton Winery serves contemporary fusion cuisine in a cozy French country setting overlooking the vineyards. The best part is you don't have to choose between food [...]

• Topics: Rose Winery, Briar, Temecula, Temecula Valley, California

Thornton Winery Estate Syrah (still wine) or the NV Cuvee Rouge (sparkling wine).

What is an up-and-coming wine (or winery) you think is a good value right now?

In today's world it's a buyers market. Everyone should drink and enjoy the wine that gives them the most pleasure. Thornton Winery has 26 different varieties in a variety of price ranges and profiles, so I think people should come out and see for themselves which one rocks their world.

Did we miss anything?

• Topics: Winery, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Nevada
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